Uber, taxi program: Chicago taxi service can settle for Uber rides as firm rolls out security options automations

CHICAGO (WLS) — Beginning Thursday, Chicago riders will have the ability to request taxi service of their Uber app.

The corporate says it is a win-win for the taxi business and for riders, and comes after Uber mentioned it noticed success in cities like San Francisco, the place taxi drivers earned on common 30% greater than their counterparts who selected to not present Uber journeys.

1000’s of taxi drivers that use know-how from Arro and Curb Mobility will have the ability to settle for Uber journey referrals.

Riders can pay the UberX charge and can obtain upfront pricing within the app earlier than requesting a visit.

One of these pilot program was already launched in San Francisco, New York Metropolis and Southern California.

READ ALSO | Astrology influencer posted about eclipse, apocalypse earlier than killing boyfriend, pushing children on freeway

However some taxi drivers fear in regards to the new partnership, and being pressured to observe the app’s protocols.

“It’ll have an effect on our meter. Uber goes to regulate that meter. We do not need Uber to return in and management the taxi,” mentioned driver Baffo Kwaky.

And Uber drivers are additionally weighing in.

“It’ll have an effect on us, after all. However you might say that we’re used to it by now,” mentioned Wael Eldadah.

Eldadah has been driving for Uberfor eight years now. He mentioned the corporate already takes excessive fee from his rides and this may solely damage his enterprise.

“It’ll be unhealthy information for us. It is already unhealthy, and by including this I do not understand how it should look. That is why I began considering simply to cease. Attempt to discover one thing else,” he mentioned.

“I’d say it could hamper our enterprise. However so long as they’re doing properly, and deal with their passengers properly, they usually observe the protocol of Uber, it is advantageous,” mentioned Uber driver Seth Calasang.

“Riders are going to love this. Now we have surge pricing on Uber. There’s typically financial savings for taxis. And naturally Uber drivers aren’t as plentiful as they had been pre-pandemic. So this has an actual buyer profit,” mentioned DePaul College Professor Joe Schweiterman.

The transportation professional mentioned there’ll now be extra obtainable autos on the app for passengers.

“The draw back after all, Uber’s tentacles are actually reaching into taxis. We have already got a little bit of a duopoly with Uber and a Lyft being so dominant. And it is a race to see who can management the a lot of the business. That is going to boost a couple of eyebrows. I am afraid,” Schweiterman mentioned.

This comes as Uber introduced new security function automations within the app’s Security Toolkit.

Riders can document audio with the app in the event that they really feel uncomfortable throughout a journey. The recording is not going to be obtainable for the driving force, and riders can selected to share the audio with Uber after the journey.

Some security options inlcude a pin verification, and an in-app emergency button the place riders can name 911 inside seconds. The app will immediate the rider’s estimated location and automobile info, together with mannequin and license plate quantity.

To be taught extra about Uber’s security options, click here.

MAKING HEADLINES | Suburban police warn of ‘senior assassins’ water gun sport performed by college students carrying ski masks